The Storm have won 15 of the last 20 clashes with the Cowboys, though the last six in Townsville have been split evenly. The Storm and Cowboys clashed in Round 15, with both sides missing their Origin stars. Brodie Croft was the hero for the Storm as he kicked a field-goal to give the Storm a thrilling 23-22 victory. Storm centre Curtis Scott scored a double in the win.

North Queensland are fifth on the ladder with a 12-7 record. They had won four straight before losing to the Sydney Roosters 22-16 in Sydney last round. They have lost two straight just once this year, back in Rounds 6-7. The Cowboys have conceded an average of 13.3ppg over their last 10. Melbourne are the form team in the premiership, leading the way with a 15-4 record. They have won their last two and seven of their last nine and enter this off a 40-6 demolition of Manly. The Storm have both the best attack and best defence in the NRL.

Clear front-runners for the 2017 NRL premiership, Melbourne have been the dominant side all season long, and they will be aiming to continue their irresistible form on Friday night against fellow premiership contenders the Cowboys.

Equipped with the best attack and defence in the competition, Melbourne have won 15 of their 19 matches this season, and at their best, it’s them first and daylight second in the NRL in 2017.

Cameron Smith is playing the best footy of his life 350 games into his NRL career, while Melbourne only get stronger this week as Billy Slater returns to the side after suffering a sickening concussion in the win over Canberra two weeks ago.

With Melbourne firing 40 points past the Sea Eagles last week, Craig Bellamy’s side come into this showdown in lethal form and determined to maintain their winning momentum.

Can the Cowboys stop a rampant Storm side on their own turf?

North Queensland have been impressive since losing Johnathan Thurston to a season-ending shoulder injury, but their four-match winning streak was snapped last week at the hands of the Roosters.

Those four wins came against sides below them on the ladder, but the Cowboys weren’t far off against a strong Roosters side at Allianz Stadium, with the Tricolours needing three second-half tries to seal the win.

Another opportunity awaits against a competition heavyweight for the Cowboys on Friday night, and they will be keen to make a statement and re-assert themselves as genuine premiership contenders.